Feb. 24, 2022
VAN HOLLEN ANNOUNCES ENDORSEMENTS BY END CITIZENS UNITED & LET AMERICA VOTE
Both Point to His Leadership in the Fight to Get Dark Money Out of Politics and Staunch Defense of Voting Rights
KENSINGTON, MD — Today, Senator Van Hollen announced that End Citizens United and Let America Vote (ECU // LAV) endorsed his re-election to the United States Senate. Both play a critical role in advocating for anti-corruption and voting rights policies across the country as leaders in a grassroots-based movement that includes nearly 60,000 members in Maryland. Their mission is to elect candidates that seek to limit the influence of big money in politics and protect the freedom to vote.
With their endorsement, ECU // LAV touted Senator Van Hollen’s work as a champion for getting dark money out of politics and fighting corruption in Washington. In 2010, following the notorious 5-4 Citizens United decision by the Supreme Court that opened the floodgates to corporations spending money in elections, Chris, then a member of the House of Representatives, wrote and introduced the DISCLOSE Act to prevent secret, dark money from pouring into our politics. He successfully fought to get the DISCLOSE Act passed in the House, but Mitch McConnell and Senate Republicans used the filibuster to block the Senate version.
Since coming to the Senate, Chris has continued pushing to overturn the disastrous Citizens United decision, end secret money in politics, reform our campaign finance system, and change the rules governing the Federal Elections Commission (FEC) so it can effectively enforce ethics and campaign rules. Senator Van Hollen has stood up time and again for doing whatever it takes, including ending the anti-democratic filibuster, to ensure Americans have equal access to the ballot box. He is a champion of the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, which establishes national standards to ensure fair access to the ballot box, abolishes secret money in elections, and ends partisan gerrymandering of congressional districts. This week’s endorsement reflects Senator Van Hollen’s work throughout his public service to protect the right to vote, fight back against discriminatory attempts to disenfranchise Americans, and prevent big money special interests from drowning out the voices and votes of our citizens.
“End Citizens United and Let America Vote are essential partners in our work in Congress to protect every American’s access to the ballot box and get secret money out of our politics. That’s why I am so proud to have their strong endorsement today. Throughout my time in public service, I’ve pushed for campaign finance reform and, as the original author of the DISCLOSE Act, worked to end the torrents of secret money poisoning our politics. I will continue working in the Senate to pass the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. The future of our democracy is at stake, and we must protect it,” said Senator Van Hollen.
“Senator Van Hollen has proven his dedication to fighting corruption on every level, consistently pushing for reform, and introducing legislation to fix our broken system. His voice and advocacy have been critical in the effort to get dark money out of politics and ensure our elected officials work for the people, not the special interests,” said End Citizens United // Let America Vote President Tiffany Muller. “Senator Van Hollen will continue to fight for Maryland families and make sure their voices are heard. We’re proud to endorse Senator Van Hollen and look forward to helping him win another term in the Senate.
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Feb. 22, 2022
Van Hollen Announces Strong Endorsements from Fire Fighters Across Maryland
KENSINGTON, MD – This morning, Senator Van Hollen’s re-election campaign announced the endorsements of the Professional Firefighters of Maryland and the National Capital Federal Fire Fighters IAFF Local F-121, crediting his unwavering support of Maryland’s firefighters. In endorsing the Senator for another term in the United States Senate, both organizations pointed to his proven leadership on issues that affect the daily lives of their members and hard-working Maryland families.
In the Senate, Chris Van Hollen has pushed to better the lives of firefighters by working to increase funding for programs that play a critical role in preparing, training, and equipping our firefighters and expanding the numbers serving on front lines. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Chris fought for increased funding for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program which supports first responders in securing critical equipment, training, and resources necessary for protecting firefighters when they put themselves at risk to save lives in our communities. In addition to fighting for on-the-job resources, Chris has fought for much-needed benefits for our firefighters, from health care and disability benefits, to ensuring federal firefighters are able to trade shifts without losing out on pay or annual leave.
Senator Van Hollen said, “Firefighters in Maryland and across the country put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities – running into harm’s way to save others. It is an honor to have the support of more than ten thousand Maryland firefighters and emergency personnel. Our firefighters have our backs – and I’m committed to having theirs. Together, we will continue working to advance our shared priorities that are vital to both our firefighters and our communities at large – including affordable health care, collective bargaining rights, mental health coverage, and benefits for working families in our state.”
Professional Firefighters of Maryland, President, Jeffrey Buddle said, “Your commitment to expanding the rights of working men and women is unmatched, especially those on the front lines like the members of the Professional Fire Fighters of Maryland. You have been an effective leader in the Senate delivering funding for essential grant programs that support the health and safety of our firefighters with advanced training, updated equipment, and more resources for firehouses. Whether it’s a matter of federal funding or a legislative priority, you never back down when it comes to fighting in Congress for fire fighters. Fire fighters put themselves at risk every day, and we thank you for having our backs as we serve communities throughout Maryland.”
National Capital Federal Fire Fighters IAFF Local F-121, President, Scott “Scotty” Alan Burkhardt Jr. noted, “In March of 2021, as a member of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus you stated: ‘Our federal firefighters work tirelessly to help keep our communities safe – often working long and non-traditional hours. When something comes up, they deserve the ability to trade shifts without losing out on pay or annual leave,’ You then re-introduced the Federal Firefighter Flexibility and Fairness Act (S. 838), which ensured that federal firefighters who trade shifts across multiple pay periods would not see their regular pay decrease or trigger overtime pay requirements. This bill alleviated stresses on our Federal Firefighters and saved the Government significant money in saved overtime payments. On the side of every Federal Fire Truck staffed by IAFF Local F-121 members is our Mission Statement: ‘Protecting Those Who Defend America’. You take our Mission Statement to heart every day you have our backs in Congress, and for that – we are forever grateful!”
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Feb. 18, 2022
Van Hollen Announces Endorsements by Fourteen Labor Leaders Crediting His Work Fighting for Frontline Workers & Public Servants
KENSINGTON, MD – This morning, Senator Van Hollen’s re-election campaign announced the endorsements of fourteen labor unions on the local and national levels crediting his leadership on critical issues for frontline workers and public servants. In announcing their support for another term in the United States Senate, all pointed to his lifetime of work as an effective leader fighting for the rights of Marylanders on the job and, those working to keep us moving forward during this global pandemic. Today’s endorsements include the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) District Council 4 and District Council 14, Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 3, Maryland & Washington, D.C. State Association of Letter Carriers (MDSALC), National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), 32BJ SEIU, 1199 SEIU, SEIU Local 400, SEIU Local 500, SEIU Local 722 and the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 27, UFCW Local 400, and UFCW Local 1994.
In the Senate, Chris Van Hollen has pushed to increase wages for hard-working Americans, fought for collective bargaining rights so they have a seat at the table, and advocated for policies to make everyday expenses more affordable. He has a strong record of standing up for legislation to lower costs and cut taxes for working families while preventing the very wealthy and big corporations from avoiding paying taxes so we can use those resources to invest in America’s future economic growth. In Congress, he commits himself each day to moving policies forward that help our workers and families like the Child Tax Credit, workplace safety standards, and measures to bring down out-of-pocket costs on health care, childcare, housing, and prescription drugs. Each union hailed Senator Van Hollen’s support for key provisions in the American Rescue Plan to beat back this pandemic with federal resources to keep workers safe as they performed jobs on the front lines, including manning our hospitals, transit systems, grocery stores, and government operations, and delivering our mail in the face of the pandemic.
Senator Van Hollen said, “Having the tens of thousands of workers represented by these labor unions supporting my re-election means so much. Their members have helped keep our country moving for generations and they stepped up during these unprecedented times. Each stood with me as we fought and helped secure passage of the American Rescue Plan with vital funding for economic relief to help Maryland families and workers with direct support payments, rental and food assistance, and critical supplies and aid to help beat the virus, improve accessibility and equity of vaccine distribution, and keep our workers safe. Together, we will continue to build on the progress we have made to continue to support their workers and their families.”
National Vice President, Ottis Johnson District 14 and National Vice President, Dan Doyle District 4 of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) said, “Senator Van Hollen has always been in AFGE’s corner on issues such as pay increases, employee benefits, and paid parental leave for Federal workers. Senator Van Hollen understands the sacrifices of public sector workers and has worked tirelessly on safe working conditions for workers and their families. AFGE District 14 and District 4 are proud to endorse Senator Van Hollen.”
Patrick Moran, President of American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 3 said “Senator Van Hollen has been a champion for all AFSCME members and all working families. When the pandemic hit and our members on the frontlines were at risk, we knew we could count on Sen. Van Hollen in Washington. Time and time again he has delivered for working people and has been critical to the recovery efforts here in Maryland. AFSCME Council 3 is proud to endorse Sen. Van Hollen.”
International President of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) John A. Costa endorsed Van Hollen stating, “For more than three decades, since your early days in the State Legislature, to your seven terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, and now in the Senate, you have been a champion for the middle class, proving time and time again that your dedication to the needs of Maryland’s working families runs deep. You have always been a strong supporter of organized labor, pushing for passage of the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act to provide a more level playing field so that an increased number of workers can join unions and have a better chance to successfully fight for their wages, benefits, and working conditions. In addition, you are one of the leading supporters of public transportation on Capitol Hill, most recently playing a leading role in securing nearly $70 billion in emergency Covid relief funds to keep transit systems running and save our members’ jobs during the pandemic. And of course, as the leading Senate sponsor of the Transit Worker and Pedestrian Protection Act, which was included in President Biden’s critical infrastructure bill, you have saved countless lives and ensured that our members will now have a voice on the job, enhancing safety for thousands of workers who have been the victims of vicious attacks for far too long. We cannot thank you enough for your leadership. For all these reasons and more, we proudly endorse your campaign for reelection and pledge to mobilize our members in Maryland to ensure that you will continue as Senator for the next six years, and beyond.”
The Maryland & Washington, D.C. State Association of Letter Carriers’ President Doreen Carter said, “The Maryland State Association of Letter Carriers is proud to endorse you for the Maryland Senate seat in the U.S. Senate. Your continued support for the United States Postal Service and the National Association of Letter Carriers demonstrates that you are a true champion and friend of not only the 4,697+ letter carriers across Maryland, but also to the 290,000 active and retired letter carriers across the country. We appreciate that you stand with us on our issues, and we are proud to stand with you.”
While supporting Senator Van Hollen’s re-election, Anthony Reardon, National President of the NTEU, stated, “I am pleased to inform you that the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), representing approximately 150,000 federal workers across 34 government agencies, endorses your campaign for reelection to the U.S. Senate. Throughout your career you have fought along with us to ensure that federal employees are treated with dignity and respect and that the federal government is a model employer that provides competitive pay and benefits. As Chair of the Senate Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over many NTEU-represented agencies and matters affecting the civil service, you have used your position to promote fairness and justice for union members. And as the nation continues to face a global pandemic, you have continued to show your commitment to workers by leading the way on critical issues like telework and emergency paid leave.”
To endorse Senator Van Hollen, 32BJ SEIU, 1199 SEIU, SEIU Local 400, SEIU Local 500, SEIU Local 722 made a joint statement noting, “Service Employees International Union Chris Van Hollen has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with our workers in the fight for good-paying jobs, fair workplaces, and equal justice. Chris partnered with our members to pass and defend the Affordable Care Act and have been a steadfast supporter of the Fight for $15. During the pandemic, when SEIU members have been on the frontlines in hospitals, long-term care facilities, childcare, airports and the service industry, Chris fought for personal protective equipment, resources for providers, and relief to keep workers paid through shutdowns and closures. We are proud to continue to work with Chris to expand affordable childcare and long-term care.”
In their letter of support, UFCW Local No. 1994’s President & International Vice President Gino Renne, UFCW Local No. 400 President & International Vice President Mark Federici, and UFCW Local No. 27’s President Jason Chorpenning wrote, “UFCW Local Unions 1994, 400, and 27, are proud to extend an endorsement for the advocacy and actions you have continued to demonstrate to the working families of Maryland. UFCW Local Unions 1994, 400, and 27, represent over 25,000 union members across Maryland working in grocery, retail, hospitality, public sector, and nursing. Our members are frontline workers and are dependent upon your continued interest, advocacy, and support in creating and maintaining worker-friendly legislation and programs that support their hard work and well-being. From your support of the PRO ACT to fighting for affordable housing to supporting universal Pre-K, you have always been on the side of working families. You have led the charge to increase paychecks and benefits for working families and cut the costs of prescription drugs. We know that you will continue to fight for the working families across Maryland. We applaud your efforts and look forward to working, supporting, and advocating forward – together.”
Feb. 17, 2022
Van Hollen Announces Key Labor Endorsements Highlighting His Commitment to Delivering Infrastructure Investments and Support for Working Families
Fifteen Labor Unions from Across the State and Country Strongly Endorse Van Hollen
KENSINGTON, MD – Today, Senator Chris Van Hollen announced fifteen international and local labor unions that strongly endorse his re-election to represent Maryland in the United States Senate. Each union recognized Senator Van Hollen’s record as an effective leader who has stood up for fair wages and benefits for Marylanders, supported the expansion of collective bargaining, and fought to pass the American Rescue Plan and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act delivering more opportunities for Marylanders. The infrastructure bill alone includes more than $7 billion for Maryland’s roads, bridges, the Port of Baltimore, water systems, tunnels, transit, and more. Chris understands that those investments go hand-in-hand with strengthening workers’ rights and passing the PRO Act, legislation the Senator has cosponsored to expand collective bargaining.
“It’s an honor to have the endorsement of these union leaders representing thousands of hard-working Marylanders in the building trades and construction as well as our longshoremen and auto workers. These workers keep Maryland’s economy moving and are true partners in the fight for our shared priorities and in defending the rights of union members and their families. Together, we worked to pass a historic infrastructure modernization plan that is already delivering good-paying jobs for more Marylanders and building out the physical backbone of our country. I’ll continue working with them to ensure that hardworking Americans can bargain for good wages, essential benefits and safe workplaces. We must build a more inclusive economy with more shared prosperity.” said Senator Van Hollen.
Today’s endorsements include the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 26, International Longshoremen’s Associations (ILA) Local 333, 953, and 1429, Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA), Teamsters Joint Council 55 and Local 730, United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States Locals 5, 486, 489, 602, and 689, and the United Auto Workers (UAW).
The Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters endorsed Senator Van Hollen with Executive Secretary-Treasurer, William Sproule, saying, “Chris Van Hollen is receiving the endorsement of our union because we share a common desire to protect workers’ rights in our region and the country as a whole. Making sure that working class families receive a fair wage, good benefits, and the safe working conditions they deserve seems like common sense, but Chris understands there are those who actively take steps to weaken workers’ rights. Their actions weaken our local standard of living and our communities. Our union looks forward to advocating for these rights with Chris as well as fighting against construction industry tax fraud, so-called right-to-work legislation, misclassification of workers, coerced labor, and more. By working with leaders like Chris Van Hollen, we can protect fair standards and protect working families.
In endorsing Senator Van Hollen, IBEW Local 26’s Business Manager, George Hogan, said, “Senator Van Hollen has supported our joint apprenticeship programs, recognizing that IBEW Local 26 offers world class training that gives people an opportunity to gain a middle-class career. Chris also recognizes our Union’s efforts to grow union minority-owned contractors and to reach out to members of underserved communities. In addition to fighting for our Union and for the building trades in general, Senator Van Hollen has voted for the PRO Act to protect the right of all workers to join unions. He has called for hazard pay for frontline workers, has proposed safety measures for workers, and has urged Met Warrior to reach a settlement with striking miners. For every issue and every battle, Senator Van Hollen has been there for working people. Therefore, we enthusiastically endorse Senator Van Hollen for election to the U.S. Senate.”
And Scott Cowan, International Vice President of the International Longshoremen’s Association President on behalf of Locals 333, 953, and 1429 stated “We appreciate your steadfast support of the Port of Baltimore and the good jobs it sustains in our state. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, you have delivered resources to maintain the channel to the Port and fought to secure federal funding to upgrade the Howard Street Tunnel to allow for increased cargo capacity. And you worked to pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which will deliver $17 billion to ports across the country and spur jobs for longshoremen and maritime workers. The bottom line is that you have stood with the men and women who work hard every day to make our Port a great engine of commerce, and we stand with you.”
On behalf of Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA), Dennis Martire, Vice President and Regional Manager, said, “On behalf of the 500,000 men and women of the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA), I am proud to announce our endorsement of Chris Van Hollen for re-election to the United States Senate this year. Senator Van Hollen is a champion for working families and all Marylanders and has been there for Laborer’s time and time again. We need him to serve another term in the U.S. Senate to keep up the fight for workers and unions.”
With Teamsters Local 730 and Teamsters Joint Council 55’s endorsement, Ritchie Brooks, president of Teamsters Local 730 said, “Senator Chris Van Hollen has been a champion on the issues that matter most to working people: good wages and benefits, a safe work environment and the right to organize. Chris Van Hollen stood with us to defend the dignity of work and we stand with him now as he runs for re-election to the Senate. He has been a strong supporter of the PRO Act to level the playing field for workers who want to join a union and he represents the values of the thousands of hard-working members. For these and other reasons, Teamsters Local 730 and the Teamsters Joint Council 55 are proud to support Senator Chris Van Hollen for re-election.”
Mark McManus, General President of the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada (UA) on behalf of UA and Local 5, Local 486, Local 489, Local 602, and Local 669 stated, “Chris Van Hollen’s work to close corporate loopholes and to crack down on unscrupulous contractors helps more Marylanders put food on the table and send their kids to college; Chris’s work to protect Davis-Bacon provisions and expand collective bargaining means our members can earn fair wages and benefits. I have the utmost confidence in your ability to continue to put working families like ours first, and of your commitment to fighting for Marylanders every day in Washington, D.C. Our members throughout Maryland – from Local 5, Local 486, Local 489, Local 602, and Local 669 – are proud to stand with you as you run for another term representing Marylanders in the United States Senate.”
On behalf of the United Auto Workers, Mark Dowell, UAW Region 8 CAP Coordinator, noted “The United Auto Workers Community Action Program (CAP) endorses you in your election bid for Senate. The CAP endorsement is based upon your support for the interests of Maryland’s working families and your commitment of continued support for the efforts of the United Auto Workers’ union members.”
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Feb. 16, 2022
Van Hollen Announces Endorsements Applauding His Work Fighting for Marylanders & Taking on Powerful Special Interest Groups
Groups Hail Van Hollen’s Leadership Standing Up to Big Oil, the Gun Lobby, and Big Pharma
KENSINGTON, MD – Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen announced that a range of organizations representing Maryland’s environmental community, gun safety movement, and leaders pushing for lower drug prices have strongly endorsed his re-election to represent Maryland in the United States Senate. The Senator received the endorsements of the Sierra Club’s Maryland Chapter, Chesapeake Climate Action Network’s Action Fund, Giffords PAC, and the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare. All spoke about Senator Van Hollen’s proven record as an effective leader standing up for Marylanders on key priorities like working to lower the price of prescription drugs, protecting the Chesapeake Bay and confronting the climate crisis, and working to keep our communities safe.
“I’m grateful to have strong backing from these organizations that fight every day to protect Marylanders against powerful, deep-pocketed special interests who aim to get their way at the expense of everyone else. I will keep fighting alongside them to put the needs of our communities first,” said Senator Van Hollen.
Standing Up to Big Oil to Protect our Bay and the Climate
Senator Van Hollen recognizes that environmental protection is not just about the future of our planet — it’s about clean air, public health, and the quality of life for all. A longtime champion of the Chesapeake Bay, Chris successfully fought back against attempts to drill around the Bay watershed, worked to secure record federal funds to protect the Bay, and authored legislation – the Polluters Pay Climate Fund Act – to require the biggest polluters to help pay to clean up the mess they created.
Rich Norling, Political Chair at Maryland Chapter, Sierra Club:
“The Sierra Club enthusiastically endorses Senator Chris Van Hollen for reelection. Throughout his career, Chris Van Hollen has fought to give everyone clean air to breathe, clean water to drink, and a healthier Chesapeake Bay. Senator Van Hollen is also leading efforts in the Congress to address climate change, and we need him in the Senate to continue that fight.”
Mike Tidwell, Founder and Director, Chesapeake Climate Action Network’s Action Fund:
“No leader in Maryland history has done more to fight against climate change and promote clean energy than Chris Van Hollen. From his time in the Annapolis State House to the US House of Representatives to the US Senate, Van Hollen has relentlessly challenged big polluters and worked for climate justice for all Marylanders. He is precisely the sort of bold leader we need in the US Senate to tackle the climate emergency over the next six years and beyond. The Chesapeake Climate Action Network/Action Fund wholeheartedly endorses Senator Chris Van Hollen for re-election.”
Standing Up to the Gun Lobby to Strengthen Public Safety
Senator Van Hollen has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to common-sense gun safety legislation while serving the people of Maryland. He believes that a strategy to keep Maryland families and communities safe must include sensible gun laws and strong community organizations working on violence prevention. In the Maryland Legislature, Chris stood up to the NRA and the gun lobby and won by passing the first law in the country requiring that guns sold have built-in trigger locks — a law that has saved lives. In Congress, Senator Van Hollen has stood out as a champion for legislation requiring universal criminal background checks, federal resources for community violence prevention programs, and bans on high-capacity magazines and assault weapons. He has also authored legislation to help expand Maryland’s permit-to-purchase handgun law nationwide. Chris has made it clear that he will not rest until we end the epidemic of gun violence.
Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords of Giffords PAC:
“In his decades of public service, Chris Van Hollen has always been a fierce advocate for Marylanders. I’ve been proud to call him a colleague, a friend, and a partner in the fight to end gun violence. Senator Van Hollen is not afraid to stand up to the gun lobby and push for the commonsense gun safety legislation we desperately need in this country. I know that he will never stop fighting for Marylanders. We need Chris Van Hollen in the US Senate.”
Fighting for Lower Prescription Drug Costs and Strengthening Medicare & Social Security
Senator Van Hollen believes deeply in the promises we make to those who have earned the dignity of a secure retirement after paying into Medicare and Social Security all their working lives. He has been a leader in protecting and strengthening benefits for seniors, and he’ll never back down from that fight. He also believes it’s crucial that we lower everyday costs for Marylanders and has played a leading role in the battle to give Medicare the power to negotiate lower costs for prescription drugs, to to close the existing Medicare coverage gaps for hearing, dental and vision services, and to lower drug costs for every American.
Max Richtman, President & CEO, Chairman, National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare:
“The National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, on behalf of its millions of members and supporters, including over 41,000 in Maryland, enthusiastically endorses your candidacy for reelection to the United States Senate. We know that you will continue your exemplary record on seniors’ issues in the next Congress and beyond. The National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare looks forward to continuing our work with you to address the challenges facing seniors… from lowering prescription drugs costs to expanding Medicare coverage to improving Social Security benefits and solvency. National Committee members know that they can count on you in the future as they have throughout your congressional career.”
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Feb. 15, 2022
Van Hollen Files for Re-Election to Uphold Maryland Values, Deliver Continued Results for Marylanders
ANNAPOLIS, M.D. — Today, Democratic U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) filed for re-election to continue serving Marylanders in the United States Senate. Upon filing, Senator Van Hollen released the following statement and video:
“We stand at a pivotal moment that requires bold action to meet the big challenges we face. I am running for re-election to the United States Senate to uphold our values of justice, equality, and freedom; to protect our democracy; and to continue to deliver real results for all the people of Maryland.
“Since President Biden was sworn-in, we have taken bold steps to defeat the pandemic and help families, workers, small businesses, and others weather the economic storm. Our work to pass the American Rescue Plan accelerated the deployment of vaccines to save lives and extended a financial lifeline to millions of struggling Marylanders while spurring record job growth. We also passed a historic infrastructure modernization plan that will put more Marylanders to work in good-paying jobs, building out the physical backbone of our country for the 21st century. I am proud to have fought successfully to include many key initiatives that benefit all Marylanders in both of these historic measures, including funds to expand access to affordable high-speed internet; support our students and schools; help our small businesses; reduce the cost of health care; cut childhood poverty; upgrade our roads, bridges, ports, and transit systems; and protect the Chesapeake Bay. These measures benefit Marylanders in every part of our beautiful and diverse state.
“I always look for ways to work across party lines to achieve bipartisan results and will continue to do so. But the test of whether we take important action cannot be whether Washington Republicans agree or disagree. The test must be whether the action improves the lives of the American people, and we face strong resistance from those who want to drag our country backwards.
“For four years I fought to protect Marylanders from the poisonous policies of the Trump Administration, including their attempt to take health care away from millions of Americans by repealing the Affordable Care Act. And, today in the Senate, Mitch McConnell and Senate Republicans have opposed our plans to move America forward almost every step of the way. Not one voted to support the American Rescue Plan, and they are now using the undemocratic filibuster rule to block progress on everything from voting rights to women’s rights, from cutting the costs of prescription drugs to enacting common-sense gun safety measures; from ending secret money in elections to moving to a clean energy future to confront the climate crisis.
“Despite this wall of obstruction, we have not given up on acting to expand opportunity and relieve pressures on family budgets by significantly cutting the costs of quality child care, giving Medicare the power to negotiate lower drug prices, providing universal early education, and rapidly accelerating the use of cheaper clean energy. We can pay for these investments by closing corporate tax breaks that allow multinational corporations to stash their profits in places like the Cayman Islands and by requiring big polluters to pay to clean up their mess. I have authored many provisions in these bills and will continue to work to get them over the finish line.
“The 2022 midterm elections will present a stark choice. The Senate is now evenly divided, and Mitch McConnell needs to flip only one Senate seat to win back control and block all further progress. I am running to build a stronger, more inclusive economy that works for all Americans and to oppose the powerful, big-money special interests intent on feathering their own nests at the expense of everyone else. I am seeking re-election to continue the work to form a more perfect and just union and to stop those who aim to dismantle our democracy and turn back the clock.
“Maryland is called ‘America in miniature’ because of the rich diversity of our communities and our varied landscape. From the mountains of Western Maryland to the Eastern Shore, from Baltimore to the Washington suburbs and Southern Maryland, we reflect many different experiences and perspectives. But we also have a shared belief in the power of the American spirit to overcome adversity, the fundamental principles our country was founded on, and the responsibility to leave our children an even better country and world than we found. I am confident that by working together we can meet our biggest challenges and that our best days are still ahead.
“I ask all Marylanders to join me on this journey.”
Senator Van Hollen is supported by a broad and diverse group of over 30 Maryland and national organizations. Over the coming weeks, the Senator will be announcing these endorsements — which span groups representing union workers in the building trades, environmental causes, women’s rights and others fighting for civil rights, labor unions representing front line workers and emergency responders, those fighting for campaign finance reform and common-sense gun safety measures and more.